API access is always in the context of a subscription on Patient Opinion

As a result, use of the version 2 API is both time-bound and scoped to the same set of stories and responses as your subscription.

Frequently asked questions

Do I need the API at all?

Using the API typically requires the ability to write computer code. If this is not you, you might want to consider alternative ways to show Patient Opinion stories on your website, such as widgets or RSS/Atom feeds.

I do need the API. How do I access it?

To access the API you need a current subscription which includes the data you want, and which includes API access. When you log into such a subscription you will find the keys you need to use in your requests to the API.

I have a subscription but it doesn't include API access. What now?

I don't have a subscription. How do I get one?

Please contact us to discuss what you need. If you are part of a health service organisation, you may already have a subscription.

While many organisations will need a paid-for subscription, some will qualify for free access.

I am using the version 1 API. How do I transition to version 2?

Please contact us to discuss what you need. You will need a subscription on Patient Opinion to enable access.

Is there more than one API level?

Yes. Version 2 is currently available at two levels: Basic and Enhanced. The Enhanced level offers additional content not available at the Basic level.

Will version 2 change further?

Yes. We plan to add further content to the Enhanced level in coming months.

Can I do what I like with the data I retrieve via the API?

The API provides access to data from both NHS Choices and from Patient Opinion. Each organisation imposes licence conditions on how you may use the data.

Patient Opinion data is subject to a Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial-ShareAlike 4.0 licence (CC BY-NC-SA 4.0). Please note this licence does not permit commercial use of our data. If you intend to use our data for a commercial purpose, please contact us for a commercial licence.